Ministry Monitors West Asia Air Travel Amid Rising Concerns

The Civil Aviation Ministry is vigilantly tracking developments in West Asia, assessing potential impacts on air travel between India and the region. The Minister of Civil Aviation, K Ram Mohan Naidu, is spearheading efforts to engage with stakeholders and ensure a swift, coordinated response.

On March 9, Indian carriers operated 45 flights from West Asia, bringing in 7,047 passengers. Airlines are adjusting their operations to prioritize passenger safety and maintain service continuity. Regular coordination with airlines and stakeholders is ongoing to ensure smooth passenger movement and reasonable ticket prices.

Upcoming operational plans include Air India and Air India Express flights to Riyadh starting March 12. IndiGo will launch a Mumbai-Riyadh-Mumbai route on Thursday, and SpiceJet is working on alternative airport approvals. Akasa Air is set to start services from March 12, aligning with current conditions. Operational flexibility is sought to support passenger movements and evacuations as needed. The DGCA has coordinated with authorities for additional flight slots and alternative airport use, boosting operational safety.